Train advocates plan passenger service session

RITZVILLE – Train advocates will meet Friday, Aug. 20, to talk about what they can do to possibly restore passenger rail service to the city .

All Aboard Washington’s “2021 Train Trek” is set for 1:30 p.m. in City Hall, 216 E. Main Ave.

During the session, members of the group will share their vision for improving east-west train service, including passenger service in towns statewide.

The program includes discussion of economic ramifications and economic benefits, organizers said. There will also be time for residents to voice their opinion on restoration of passenger services and improvement of other services.

All Aboard advocates have said they support expanding passenger services, improving connections between local and regional transit services and providing amenities for pedestrians and cyclists.

“With targets for reductions of vehicle trips, greenhouse gas emissions and traffic fatalities all coming due over the next decade, immediate actions should be taken to sustain our state’s economic vitality, environmental commitments, and equitable access for all citizens,” All Aboard co-Executive Director Patrick Carnahan said.

Ritzville isn’t the only city that once had bustling train service for passengers.

At one time, there was passenger service to many Eastern Washington communities.

The last passenger service in the Yakima Valley was halted in 1981. Like Ritzville, train advocates there are also looking at restoration of passenger rail service to connect the Yakima Valley, Kittitas Valley and the Tri-Cities.

Passenger rail service is available daily from Portland to Seattle to Spokane.

The Seattle-Spokane route, called the “Empire Builder,” has stops in Edmonds, Everett, Leavenworth, Wenatchee and Ephrata.

The Empire Builder also links those destinations to communities from Spokane east to Chicago.

Anyone interested in participating in the meeting should register online at http://www.aawa.us/events/2021-train-trek-ritzville/, officials said.